Future focus: Country property trends

Enduring appeal

The diversity of rural architecture tells the compelling story of the UK’s rich history, with each county revealing a different chapter. These historic homes continue to have a strong emotional pull, with buyers attracted to character that is unique to specific areas. Among those in highest demand are the beautiful Georgian and Queen Anne properties found in Hampshire that epitomise the ideal of the quintessential English country house.

“The high concentration is because, historically, the county was on the key route connecting London and the South Coast with important cities such as Winchester,” explains Hattie Young, Associate in the Country Department. “In neighbouring Sussex, in Georgian times dominant estates owned huge areas of land but that was not the case in Hampshire, which meant more opportunities to build grand properties.”

Head across to Kent and you’ll find charm in the form of the region’s oast houses. Dating back to around the 17th century, these buildings were designed for kilning (drying) hops as part of the brewing process. With their distinctive shape and packed with gorgeous period features, those that have been thoughtfully modernised are much sought-after. “Oast houses ooze charm and character,” says Oli Streeter, Senior Negotiator in the Knight Frank Sevenoaks office. “They make wonderfully quirky homes, about as far from a square modern box as you can get, and clients fall for their beauty and link to Kent’s heritage.”

While there are many draws to the Cotswolds, its traditional properties remain a significant part of its appeal. “The honey-tinted Cotswolds stone and the interesting architectural style provides a pleasing conformity that people love,” says James Walker, Head of the Knight Frank Cotswolds team. “The Cotswolds stone country house nearly always attracts a substantial premium compared with a similar new build, despite the higher maintenance costs they generally carry.”

Breathing new life into older homes

Period properties have undeniable charm but for a house to feel like a home it has to suit day-to-day living. Increasingly this means reconfiguration to create more versatile spaces suited to a modern lifestyle, while carefully considering the history and possibly listed status. Perhaps one of the biggest changes in how we enjoy our homes is in how we entertain, with the kitchen now at the heart of the action.

As Oliver Rodbourne, Head of South East Team and Channel Islands, Country Department, explains, “Predominantly, old houses would have kitchens in the north-east corner before the days of refrigeration to keep food cool. Now everyone wants the kitchen in the south-west corner, so they have as much light as possible.

Modernising a period property is not without its challenges. There are often structural limitations, alongside planning constraints, that can make striking a balance between the contemporary and retaining the character of a property complex. “It’s a combination of trying to use original materials and keeping it authentic,” says Rodbourne. “But at the same time the planners often require that you make it quite modern because they want you to show the different time periods.”

There can also be strong environmental reasons to update properties, with Rodbourne noting a huge shift in attitude post-Covid towards people seeking out, or creating, more eco-friendly  homes. “Now everyone examines the energy performance certificate. The most interesting things I have seen are listed properties that require a lot of work and the local planning officers allowing double glazing to be put in. It has to perfectly replicate the original glazing but they are allowing it to happen. We have never seen that before.”

Meanwhile on larger estates and country properties, our Rural Consultancy team is able to advise on various other ways of implementing sustainable solutions, including water neutrality, restoring the natural environment and more.

Top-tier schools a priority

While the benefits of a countryside lifestyle are numerous, for parents there is often one thing on their mind when making a move: schools. When this is a top consideration, the specifics of where to live and timings become even more crucial. “Having that local knowledge is important. I need to understand the catchments and commute times,” says George Pratt, Associate in the Country Department. “We sell all over the world and people might have no idea where an area is, but they come here because of the schools. I know when the school year starts, and the new intake of parents comes, and you follow it quite systematically.”

Proximity is particularly important when it comes to grammar schools. State-funded yet academically selective, these institutions are often the first choice for those seeking a top-tier and well-rounded education for their child; even if they have passed the challenging 11-plus entrance exam, considerations such as how close you live start to come into play. With the newly introduced VAT on private school fees, competition for both places and properties near to grammar schools is only set to become more fierce.

Some of the best grammar schools are located outside London, with the Home Counties particularly well supplied. Kent tops the list with 32. Its desirable towns of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are well positioned for some of the best choices, including The Judd School, The Skinners’ School and Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School. Another area leading the way is Buckinghamshire, which has 13 grammar schools that work together to offer a consistent selection system. The Cotswolds also presents high-quality educational opportunities, with renowned options including Marling School in Stroud and Pate’s Grammar School in Cheltenham.

 A fresh perspective on new builds

Among the many advantages of moving to the countryside is the ample amount of space. Increasingly buyers are looking towards new build developments to allow them to curate their dream home, from top-of-the-range lifestyle amenities to state-of-the-art tech.

As Stuart Cole, Partner in the Country Department covering North Surrey and East Berkshire, describes, the attraction is clear. “They get to live in a brand new house where no one else has used anything before, including the bathrooms and kitchens. Also, if they purchase prior to the house being finished they can often personalise it and make it theirs.”

Chesham Place, an exceptional detached house set in five acres in the heart of Wentworth Estate, Surrey, is a case in point. Bought at the shell and core stage, the buyers were able to create a modern interior tailored to their exact specifications. The environmental benefits of a new build also play a part, not least in future proofing the desirability of a property, while the many lifestyle perks prove a considerable draw. “Now most large new developments have lifts and air conditioning,” says Cole. “Other key trends include high ceilings, excellent spa and leisure facilities and simple-but-modern AV systems that allow control of music, lighting, heating and TVs that different family members can understand.”

Knight Frank's Country Houses, Farms and Estates publication is launching on 3rd February, offering a comprehensive view of the UK country market. Learn more about our Country Department here.